TROT – Therapeutic Riding and Ongoing Training at Carousel Park
Wilmington, Delaware
TROT (Therapeutic Riding and Ongoing Training) is a therapeutic horseback riding program at Carousel Park and Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Delaware, a New Castle County park. New Castle County lists it as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center serving riders age 4 and up with physical and cognitive disabilities. The equestrian center also hosts Horses for Heroes, a riding program for U.S. military veterans.
- One-on-one therapeutic riding lessons (60 minutes)
- Six-week lesson sessions
- Horses for Heroes riding program for veterans
- Financial assistance for those who qualify
- Children and adults age 4 and up
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- Autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury and stroke
- Limb differences
- U.S. military veterans
More about this center
About the Program
According to New Castle County, TROT aims to improve students' well-being through equine-assisted activities. The county says the horse's movement is similar to the human gait and lists benefits such as sequential thinking, social awareness and a positive self-image. Read more about therapeutic riding.
Each lesson is one-on-one with a certified instructor and lasts 60 minutes. The county says lessons run six days a week, with no lessons on Fridays.
Horses for Heroes
Carousel Park also runs Horses for Heroes, a riding program for veterans of the U.S. armed services. The county says financial assistance may be available to those who qualify through its non-profit TROT riding program. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
Volunteering
Volunteers serve as side walkers and horse leaders, and the county notes that some students need up to three volunteers per lesson. Call (302) 995-7670 to volunteer.
Location
The program is based at Carousel Park and Equestrian Center, 3700 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808, a New Castle County park. The county lists the park as open daily from dawn until dusk.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I sign up?
Call the office at (302) 995-7670 or download the TROT Participant Registration Packet from the New Castle County website. The packet asks for a participant application and health history, a liability waiver, a photo release and a physician's release, and staff then contact you to schedule an evaluation.
What are the age and weight requirements?
Riders must be at least 4 years old. The registration packet lists a 225 lb weight limit, also depending on the availability of suitable horses.
How much does it cost?
New Castle County lists $360 for a six-week session, as listed, paid before each session; the packet says to contact the office for current prices. Financial assistance may be available. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
Wilmington, Delaware 19808
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.